Viral wheeze/asthma action plan: The Alex

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For non-urgent advice please contact one of the Respiratory Nurse Specialists between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday on 01273 696955
Jason Lenton Ext. 62518
Carolynn Lorimer Ext. 62541
Cathy Warde Ext. 62519
Edwina Wooler Ext. 63127

Please take this plan with you whenever you see your GP, Practice Nurse or if attending Hospital.

Every day treatment:

My Preventer inhaler is:

Colour and name:

My inhaler device is:

I take ……. puffs twice a day every day even when well (clean teeth/wipe face afterwards).

Other asthma medicines I take every day:

My Reliever inhaler is:

Colour and name:

My inhaler device is:

I take 2 to 4 puffs every 4 hours as needed if I have: Wheeze, cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, increased work of breathing

With any of the following:
At onset and for the duration of a cold
Before I do exercise
Before I’m exposed to a known trigger

My best Peak Flow is:

My symptoms are getting worse if:

• I have an increase in wheeze, cough,chest tightness or it’s hard to breathe.
• My chest symptoms are interfering with daily activities e.g. play / exercise.
• I am waking with coughing or wheezing regularly at night.
• I am using my reliever inhaler 3 times per week or more (not just with a cold).
• My Peak Flow is below 75% of best.

When this happens:

• Make sure I am taking my preventer medication regularly as normal.
• Take my reliever inhaler every 4 hours if needed.
• See my doctor or nurse within 24 hours if I don’t feel better.

I’m having an asthma attack if:

• My reliever inhaler is not helping or is not lasting 4 hours.
• I am wheezing or coughing a lot or my chest is tight / hurts.
• I am finding it hard to breathe.
• I am finding it difficult to walk or talk or eat easily.
• My breathing is hard and fast.
• My peak flow is below 50% of best.

When this happens:

• Sit up and try to stay calm.
• Take 1 puff of my reliever inhaler every 30 to 60 seconds up to a maximum of 10 puffs, ideally through a spacer.
• If I don’t have my reliever inhaler, call 999 straight away.

If I feel WORSE while using the inhaler or after 10 puffs:

• Call 999.
• If the ambulance is taking longer than 15 mins I can use my blue inhaler again, every 30 to 60 secs (up to 10 puffs) if I need to.

If I feel BETTER:

• Make an urgent appointment with GP / Practice Nurse for today or
• Attend the Children’s Emergency Department.
• Continue using reliever inhaler every 4 hours at my standard dose.

My triggers are:

If I have been in hospital:

• Continue taking reliever inhaler up to 6 puffs every 4 hours for 24 to 48 hours.
• It may not be necessary to continue at night if sleeping comfortably with no symptoms.
• After 24 to 48 hours continue to use reliever inhaler at the standard dose until well.
• Arrange a review with your GP.

Tips to keep well:

• I always need access to my reliever inhaler even at school.
• I need to leave a spare reliever inhaler at nursery / school / college.
• If I use more than 1 reliever inhaler a month I should contact my GP / Practice Nurse.
• I must remember to take my inhaler with me on any trips away from home.
• I should use the correct inhaler device prescribed for me.
• A spacer is the best way to deliver reliever treatment in an emergency and for preventer inhalers.

Useful information sites

Asthma and Lung UK

nhs.uk

Better Health – Quit Smoking

Allergy UK

If you would like to check your child’s inhaler technique please go to Asthma and Lung UK How to use your inhaler